Expert EFL predictions and free football tips from Dan Childs

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's EFL matches.

When to bet

Kick-offs 3pm

Best bets

Exeter draw no bet
2pts 6-4 bet365

Barnsley
2pts 8-13bet365, Coral

Bristol City
1pt 6-5 general

Hartlepool
1pt 29-20Betfair, Hills

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Portsmouth v Exeter

John Mousinho is preparing for his first match as a head coach after signing a long-term contract with Portsmouth, but the 36-year-old's Fratton Park spell could begin with a League One home defeat against Exeter.

Portsmouth were linked with some experienced managers, including former Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder, but they have gone with the untested Mousinho, who had been combining playing and coaching duties at Oxford.

Mousinho has promised to deliver 'front-foot, aggressive and attacking football' but he inherits a squad who are low on confidence after failing to build on a fast start to the season.

Portsmouth have won just one of their last 15 league games to leave them 15th in the third tier.

They are closer to the drop zone than the playoffs and their partnership with Mousinho feels like a long-term venture rather than a quick fix.

Mousinho would love to gain some positive early results but his team are up against an Exeter side building towards a playoff push.

The tenth-placed Grecians are unbeaten in four matches, including away wins at Bristol Rovers and Oxford, and they have every chance of taking the points on the south coast.

Barnsley v Accrington

Sixth-placed Barnsley are clinging on to a League One playoff place after losses at home to Bolton and away to Charlton but they have a great chance to get back on track when taking on injury-hit Accrington at Oakwell.

The Tykes have recently strengthened at both ends of the pitch with the loan signings of centre-forward Max Watters from Cardiff and centre-back Bobby Thomas from Burnley, and they look well equipped to maintain a serious promotion push.

Accrington were active this week, snapping up 21-year-old midfielder Seb Quirk from Everton's Under-21s setup, but they have been hampered by injuries all season and lost another three players last Saturday when Seamus Conneely, Rosaire Longelo and Aaron Pressley failed to finish a hard-fought 2-0 success at home to Bristol Rovers.

The three points were extremely welcome but Stanley's squad looks down to the bare bones and their trip to Barnsley may be a fruitless one.

Bristol City v Blackburn

Bristol City have come through a sticky patch by going five games unbeaten and they can edge closer to the top half of the Championship by defeating Blackburn at Ashton Gate.

The Robins are targeting a third successive win and their rising confidence contrasts with Blackburn, who have lost five of seven league games, including a 4-0 reverse at Rotherham last Saturday.

Hartlepool v Rochdale

Hartlepool were beaten 2-0 at League Two relegation rivals Gillingham last Saturday, but they have looked an improved side in recent weeks and can secure maximum points when hosting Rochdale at Victoria Park.

Second-bottom Pools have taken seven points from their last five games and are a point below Dale, who have won just one of their last nine fixtures.

Accumulator

Ipswich 19-20, Plymouth 8-15, Stockport 4-6, Sutton 13-20
£1 acca returns £8.22 with bet365

First scorer

Christian Saydee Shrewsbury v Cambridge
at 5-1 BoyleSports

The Bournemouth loanee has scored four goals in his last five League One appearances and could be Shrewsbury's match-winner at home to struggling Cambridge.

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